About Enrichment
Environmental enrichment has become a
well-known phrase in the worldÕs zoological, laboratory, farm, and companion
animal institutions. In fact, many industries and institutions have regulations
concerning the provision of enrichment to animals in captivity.
Yet, many people, even animal-care
professionals maintain a limited view of what the term environmental enrichment
actually encompasses. So often, it is considered to be simply ÒtoysÓ and
Òfeeders.Ó But enrichment is far more than that. It is one of the two primary
methods for caretakers to address their concerns about the animalÕs behavior
and physical and psychological welfare.
Our website provides a basic overview
to environmental enrichment, including a definition of enrichment and an
introduction to its key principles: individual, holistic, goal-directed, and
assessed enrichment plans.
For many years, The Shape of Enrichment has responded to
enrichment challenges
presented by our readers. These challenges are submitted to a variety of
enrichment professionals and their responses are printed in The Shape of
Enrichment quarterly.
Since an enriched environment is, by definition, more
dangerous than a sterile environment, safety is of utmost importance. In
response to popular demand at the 2007 International Conference on
Environmental Enrichment in Vienna, Austria, The Shape of Enrichment website
now hosts a safety
page and searchable safety database.
The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. is dedicated to furthering the
exchange of enrichment ideas. Around the world, many institutions and organizations
share our interest in enrichment concepts and applications. Some of those
organizations are listed on the related
links page.
Submit
a Challenge
Enrichment
Overview
Related
Links
Safety
Page
Searchable Safety Database